F1 Fanatic

Herman Tilke has designed the last few new Formula 1 circuits. Many people, including myself, think that they are getting too much alike and too boring. What do I think they should do? Go back to the old F1 circuits! There are many great older circuits that F1 has left over the past few years that are very exciting and much better than the new ones created. The only reason they left them is because of greedy F1 boss Bernie not getting enough money from them and wanting newer and more flashy venues. Three tracks I think should be brought back are Imola, Magny-Cours, and the A1 Ring. Yes, I know the A1 Ring was designed by Tilke but it is so much better than his more recent designs. It has fast corners, lots of elevation change, and no run off area (Which I think is too forgiving for drivers running wide). Magny-Cours has such a unique set of corners and it really flows as the cars power through the fast bends. Circuits like this really test F1 cars and show people what they are really capable of. The newer circuits like Yas Marina and Singapore have none of those corners. Just slow corners where the cars go backs and forth at a 90 degree angle. Too boring and too easy. Please comment on this if you feel the same way about the direction F1 is headed in terms of circuits!

Running a Chinese GP in Macau instead of Shanghai would be great in my opinion. Regarding safety: Even Moto GP drives there (which shocked me quiet frankly).
French GP returning to Paul Ricard seems to happen as the news suggest. I really like that circuit, would prefer it to Magny Cours. Maybe THOSE two could switch each year, and not some french GP and Spa, which seems like an awful idea.
The old Adelaide Parklands Circuit would make a great addition to the calendar I think, replacing Albert Park as season opener.
Like CarnivorousPope I like some Tilke tracks like Istanbul, Sepang and Buddh International and also hope the best for Austin.

The point has been raised elsewhere, but it it Tilke or the regs?

no run off area (Which I think is too forgiving for drivers running wide)

This thinking isn’t in line with the driver saftey requirements of this day and age – though how Monaco is still on the calendar is a different argument.

It’s been clear for a while Mr. E is more interested in the $$ than fans…

Like many things in life a lot of the fun is being taken out by safety regulations, but I would rather that than people getting hurt. When it gets to the point where none of the decent tracks are left and people stop watching they’ll have to do something about it, but as long as the money is rolling in there’s little reason to stop switching to the newer tracks and leaving some of the greatest circuits behind.

Istanbul – Really sad to see it go, but understandable if the stands were empty every year. On the other hand, if F1 was promoted more in Turkey, it may have been more successful.

A1 Ring – Would love to see this track back on the calendar. It produced some excellent racing, but I doubt it will return so long as Red Bull are in F1.

Yas Marina – Flashy and spectacular, yes; exciting and interesting, definately not. Like Pope said, unfortunately we’re not going to get rid of it because it brings in too much money.

The circuit is still dreary even if the races were better. It does liven it up, but it isn’t quite so much of a spectacle when the circuit still looks like an endless series of 90 degree bends. I’d rather see an inspiring circuit giving a good race than an uninspiring one doing the same. Also, GP2 is a spec series, so what you’re saying is that F1 needs to have completely equal cars to provide any excitement at Abu Dhabi?

I wouldn’t particularly say IndyCar lacks downforce or are simple cars. If anything, this year’s first two races point towards them having cracked the passing nut without sacrificing the wings or coming up with a DRS-esque gimmick (hell, they don’t even have the push-to-pass yet and passing has been great). Unsightly as the cars may be, I approve of the racing they’re providing currently.

I think both the FIA regulations and Bernie’s money-hungry nature are equally to blame for the types of tracks that are being visited. The safety isn’t able to be compromised (because we really don’t need to head back to a bloodlust sport) but the money required of the circuits CAN be changed. That said, I think some have written of Tilke tracks too early simply because of his name being attached. Buddh, though the last race lacked in passing, is a pretty cool track I have to admit. I would love to get to drive it. Likewise, I’m among those who think Turkey is an excellent circuit.

Should they do away with aero? No. If IndyCar’s trend of races with passing being more feasible continues, should they take note and see what they can adopt to help? Yes.